Needle in a haystack

needle in a haystack A phrase that is used when you are looking for something that is very hard to find, or when you are unlikely to succeed in a search

The cineplex was so crowded that getting a seat was like finding a needle in a haystack.

on one’s plate Work one must do

I can’t take on a new project. I already have too much on my plate.

on wrong side of bed To be in a bad mood; to be grumpy or unpleasant for no apparent reason Victoria, you sure are irritable today - did you get up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?

throw in the towel To quit

The company threw in the towel after losing all of its major customers.

think outside the box To think creatively; to approach a situation or problem in a new way

To solve this problem, we’re going to have to think outside the box.

bite the hand that feeds you To be ungrateful; to turn against your family or employer or other supporters

Always try to get along with your boss, and be careful not to bite the hand that feeds you.

Don’t bite the hand that feeds you -- your parents may not be perfect, but without them you never would have gotten this far in life.

bells and whistles Excessive or unnecessary features on something; showy or flashy parts

My father bought a new computer with all the bells and whistles. I think it even makes toast. Eggs in one basket Having all of your resources in one place; putting your money or hopes or future into one thing

When investing, you don’t want to keep all of your eggs in one basket. You might lose everything!

angel investor An individual who invests in a company during its start-up phase; a financial supporter in the early stages of a corporation’s existence

The company never would have survived without the backing of its angel investors.

Etymology An ‘angel’ is a winged creature from heaven who is supposed to help you when you are in danger. An ‘angel investor’ is someone who provides money for young businesses that really need it. The phrase was first used to describe wealthy patrons who kept Broadway plays on stage despite a lack of profits.